People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the animal rights group known by its acronym PETA, sent a letter to the NYSE on Tuesday asking the exchange to ban using such exotic animals for promotional purposes. PETA argued that the carting around of penguins in the unnatural and chaotic environment of the trading floor is detrimental to their health.

The letter came after SeaWorld Entertainment executives on Friday brought a few penguins to the NYSE to celebrate the company’s return to the public markets. Floor traders were treated to a waddle of penguins sashaying through their midst.

“It’s very stressful for exotic animals—who have specialized needs and are greatly affected by environmental changes—to be hauled around by companies like SeaWorld, just to be used as props,” Dan Mathews, senior vice president at PETA, said in a letter to the NYSE. “Penguins, like all wild animals, shun contact with humans. Being forced into close public contact leaves them agitated and frightened.”

An NYSE spokesman declined to comment on PETA’s request.

Friday’s penguin appearance wasn’t the first time the NYSE has hosted such wildlife: In 2011 Aflac brought the “Aflac Duck” to the NYSE as part of a holiday promotion. A Budweiser Clydesdale was led across the NYSE trading floor in March 2011 for participation in opening bell ceremonies, in observance of Major League Baseball’s opening day. Two months ago, Banana Joe, an affenpinscher, toured the NYSE floor. Banana Joe won Best in Show at the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Here’s Mathews letter in full:

I’m writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 3 million members and supporters to request that the New York Stock Exchange implement a policy against using live animals for promotional purposes and displaying them in the building. This request follows many concerned e-mails from our members who saw that SeaWorld brought live penguins to the trading floor on Friday to coincide with the start of the company’s public offering.

It’s very stressful for exotic animals—who have specialized needs and are greatly affected by environmental changes—to be hauled around by companies like SeaWorld, just to be used as props. Penguins, like all wild animals, shun contact with humans. Being forced into close public contact leaves them agitated and frightened. Animals in captivity are already susceptible to illness, but putting them in a crowded, noisy environment just causes additional stress and increased potential for poor health. The New York Stock Exchange, as a respected institution, should not be condoning any display that involves transporting an animal from one location to another and using them as a photo prop.

Exhibiting even small wild animals can also pose a danger to the public. For example, penguin wings are modified to form flippers that the animals use for swimming. Penguins can inflict bruises or severe injuries with their wings, especially if someone gets whacked in the face. Their beaks, which are used to catch fish, are sharp and can easily tear someone’s flesh. Given the special needs of penguins and SeaWorld’s sordid history of putting dangerous animals in contact with humans (and the volatile incidents that resulted), we hope you agree that wild animals do not belong in an environment that is synonymous with excessive noise, stress, and constant activity.

In light of this information, we ask that New York Stock Exchange immediately institute a policy prohibiting the use of live exotic animals. We hope to be able to inform our members that you have taken this necessary action. I would appreciate your getting back to me after you have reviewed this issue. Thank you very much for your time.